BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has activated two new Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHBs) on U.S. 192 (West New Haven Avenue/State Road (S.R.) 500) in Melbourne and West Melbourne to improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.

The new PHBs at Bry Lynn Drive and Palm Boulevard are designed to help pedestrians cross the roadway and increase driver awareness of pedestrians in crosswalks.

Three additional PHBs are scheduled for activation in coming weeks in the U.S. 192 corridor from Interstate 95 (I-95) to S.R. 507 (Babcock Street) in Melbourne, West Melbourne, and Melbourne Village. Those are located at Pearl Street/Circle Drive, Haven Drive/Campbell Drive, and Wawa Way. Please see attached map.

The new PHBs are part of an FDOT project along the U.S. 192 corridor designed to enhance long-term safety and traffic operations for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The corridor was identified for improvements due to a higher-than-average crash rate and increased demand for multiple modes of transportation. The project includes safer pedestrian crossings, upgraded traffic signals, improved access management, and bicycle accommodations to enhance connectivity and reduce crash risk.

How to Use a PHB

PHBs remain dark until a pedestrian activates the beacon by pushing a button on the signal pole. Once activated, the PHB alerts drivers to slow down with a flashing yellow signal, followed by a solid yellow. The beacon then displays a solid red signal, requiring motorists to stop and allow pedestrians to cross. The signal then flashes red, at which time drivers may proceed with caution once the roadway is clear.

Drivers are encouraged to stay alert and exercise care when approaching the new PHBs as motorists and pedestrians adjust to the new signals. To learn more about PHBs and how to use them, visit www.alerttodayflorida.com/Pedestrian.

For more information, visit the project webpage at www.cflroads.com/project/447094-1.